16 Honda highlights for 2018

Forget
‘Year of the Dog’; 2018 is Year of the Honda: new Jazz, CR-V, HR-V, Africa Twin, CRF250R, CB1000R, Gold Wing, the list goes on.
Then there are the racing championships, the motor shows, the festivals
– it’s enough to make your head spin! But worry not; The Engine Room is
here to help. Behold: the top 16 highlights of 2018. Calendars at the ready,
people.

01Honda’s 70th anniversary

From
motorised push bikes to hybrid super cars, Honda has come a
long, long way in 70 years. It’s now the 20th most valuable brand in the world, and the largest motorcycle manufacturer
in the world – a position held since 1959. And it all started on September
24, 1948, with just 34 employees. ‘The power of dreams’, indeed.

02The Super Cub’s 60th anniversary

More
than 100 million Super Cubs have left
the factory floor since launching in 1958, making it not only the most produced
motorcycle of all time, but the most produced motor vehicle of all time. That’s quite a record. Whether it’s a round-the-world trip or a wedding gift, there’s a Cub for the
job, guaranteed. Speaking of which, have you seen the three new Cubs? Do yourself a favour – click here.

03A new Jazz – and an all-new Jazz Sport

The
Jazz is back and better than ever, now with better boot space, a
sportier image and, yes, even a spoiler. To find out more, including specs,
price and release date, click here. But if you’re more
interested in the all-new Jazz Sport, you can see our fun, fact-filled
infographic right here. February can’t come
soon enough.

04A hybrid CR-V – the first ever

Two
new variants of the CR-V will be coming out later this year: the first
featuring a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, and the other an all-new hybrid
engine. Will it live up to the hype? Click here to find out.

05The new HR-V

All
good things come to those who wait… Case in point: the updated HR-V, coming
soon to a dealership near you in 2018. Details are scarce, but rest assured:
we’ll share something soon. So watch this space!

There
are four new café racer-inspired motorcycles coming out this year: the CB125R,
CB300R, CB1000R and upgraded CB1000R+ with pre-fit premium accessories and quick-shifter, in February, May,
April and April respectively. The fan favourite: the CB1000R Neo Sports Café – here’s why.

Due
out in April, the 2018 Africa Twin is not only lighter but more adventurous than before. Just last year, 40 Twins were
put to the test in a gruelling 3,500km expedition to Europe’s northernmost
point – and despite the brutal terrain and savage weather, they barely broke a
sweat. Click
here to see the
highlights.

10A brand-new Gold Wing

The
golden standard of touring bikes will grace European shores in 2018, combining
luxury refinement with unbridled power. According to the bike’s project leader, the
new Gold Wing “is as useful to its owner around the city as it is on tour” – a
claim we’ll be putting to the test later this year. Check out all you need to
know right here.

11The new CRF250R

Sporting
a new engine and chassis, the 2018 CRF250R is, according to the
makers, “an absolute holeshot machine”. (In English: it accelerates very, very
quickly.) Throw in an improved power-to-weight ratio, better handling and
increased traction, and you’ve got a new championship-ready MX machine. Want to
know more? Check out our infographic here.

12An upgraded X-ADV

Honda’s
unique ‘motorcycle SUV’ has been spruced up
for the new year with 21 litres of under-seat storage, two levels of Honda
Selectable Torque Control and a new ‘G’ switch for more direct gear change and improved rear-wheel
traction when off-road.
Bolder, smarter and more refined than ever, the X-ADV is the ultimate
crossover motorcycle.

13More power products than you can shake a stick at

Another
year, another shedload of power products, including the Eu22i – a best-in-class
portable generator that can power pretty much everything, from garden parties
to Everest
expeditions.

There’s
no shortage of UK motoring festivals, either, such as Goodwood Festival of Speed. Then there are the
lesser-known big days out. Don’t miss out on Mimms Honda Day, the biggest Honda
performance in the UK, showcasing CR-Xs, NSXs and much, much more.